2.5 Solomon Islands Waterways Assessment | Digital Logistics Capacity Assessments

There are no ‘internal waterways’ in the Solomon Islands however the waterways between the islands are the most vital links between the 347 inhabited islands. Small craft and coastal freighters transport fuel, food and passengers. Operators are generally private companies and the smaller craft (5 -15m ‘Banana Boats) owner-operators. Condition of vessels varies widely.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Solomon Islands Government Contact List

Company Information

Most private transport companies have been operating many years as the main method of transportation of cargo and passengers between the many inhabited islands of the group. There are a variety of vessels available ranging from 600+ passenger ferries to landing craft, medium sized coastal freighters and smaller high-speed ferries and charter boats. While waterway security is not an issue, safety can be with vessel condition varying from new, to barely seaworthy. Extra care must be taken when planning trips during cyclone season (Nov – Apr) when high winds and rough seas can disrupt travel.

For more information on waterway company contact details, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List here.

Passenger Carrying Capacity
	Silent World	Isabel Development Coy.	Anolpha Enterprises Ltd
Number of Passenger Vessels < 20 Passengers	3 (10 pax with cargo charter)	Nil	Nil
Number of Passenger Vessels < 50 Passengers	Nil	Nil	Nil
Number of Passenger Vessels < 100 Passengers	Nil	Nil	Nil
Number of Passenger Vessels > 100 Passengers	Nil	(3 x 150 pax)	(2 x 300 pax) (1 x 600 pax)

Cargo Carrying Capacity
	Silent World	Isabel Development Coy.	Anolpha Enterprises Ltd
Number of Boats	Nil	Nil	Nil
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m³)	Nil	Nil	Nil
Barges (Landing craft)
Number of Barges (landing craft)	3	Nil	Nil
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m³)	100 MT/90m³ 200 MT/200m³ 250 MT/220m³	Nil	Nil
Tugs
Number of Tugs	Nil	Nil	Nil
Tonnage / Volume Carrying Capacity (MT / m³)	Nil	Nil	Nil

Travel Time Matrix

Note: vessels do not generally travel between ports but rather from Honiara return.

Travel Time from Main port to other major Ports on Coastal freighter (12 Knots) in Hours

Distance in brackets in nautical miles

Taro

Gizo

Noro

Seghe

Yandina

Tulabi

Buala

Auki

Kirakira

Rennell

Temoyu

Honiara

(267)

(202)

(179)

(133)

(49)

(22)

(80)

(58)

(129)

(135)

(353)